THE fight is on to show that age is no barrier - and the Examiner wants your help.

We've teamed up with a campaign aimed at proving it is skills and ability which count in the workplace.

Awards are on offer for the best efforts to combat discrimination.

Prizes will go to firms and individuals who can show how they are defying the stereotypes.

The 2006 Age Positive awards will be given by the Government's Department for Work and Pensions - and the Examiner is giving its full backing to the campaign.

Over the coming weeks we'll be exploring the issues and showing the benefits of a workforce that includes the old as well as the young.

Stephen Timms, Minister for Pensions Reform, speaking about the campaign, said: "Many people think they can justify ageism because of outdated stereotypes about younger and older workers - but this has to end."

New discrimination laws are due to come into force in October, but the minister wants action now.

He said ageism stifled business growth and added: "Discrimination is not only bad for individuals who suffer the adverse effects, it's bad for business too.

"Companies of all sizes have realised that a successful workforce is a mixed-age one that includes older workers, bringing business benefits such as reduced recruitment costs, higher retention rates, greater flexibility, higher productivity and a broader range of skills and experience.

"I'm calling on people who live and work in Yorkshire and Humberside to show they have not let age be a barrier to their careers or employment practices."

The awards are running for the fifth time and the winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London on May 11.

There are two categories - the Individual Award and the Company Award.

The Individual Award is open to people of any age who have overcome the problems of age discrimination in work.

Have you made a particular effort to encourage a change in attitude and/or behaviour towards age issues among your work colleagues, managers, friends and associates?

Are you an older worker who has persevered to take advantage of an opportunity that might previously only have been offered to a much younger worker?

The Company Award is open to enterprises of any size that can demonstrate positive attitudes and practice towards age issues within their organisation.

More than 140 companies, including Asda, Thomas Cook and B&Q, are backing the campaign.

Celebrity supporters include actress Joan Collins and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The closing date for entries is April 14. The awards will be judged by an independent judging panel made up of people representing England, Scotland and Wales.

Outstanding awards will be presented to the best applicants in each of the categories.

All winners will receive an official invitation from Age Positive to go to the national ceremony.

We'll be showing later how you can enter.